Edited press release from Spruce Meadows

The Spruce Meadows 'North American' CSI5*/2* tournament is underway and on the first day of competition the CSI5* 1.55m Pepsi Challenge was the final class in the International Ring. Thirty-four horse-and-rider combinations took on the 480 metre track designed by FEI course designer Peter Holmes (CAN). Riders had to deliver a clear first round less than 72 seconds in order to qualify for the jump-off.

Ten athletes representing five countries qualified for the jump-off. Veteran rider Nicolas Pizarro (MEX) was the first into the jump-off aboard Carquilot (Carinue x Quilot) and put the pressure on the rest of the riders by laying down a quick clear ride in a time of 42.25 seconds. The ride was good enough for first place marking Pizarro's first win in the International Ring. 

"I had a feeling that he (Carquilot) needed to jump here (Spruce Meadows). It's a place where horses learn, very rarely you see a horse give up, its tough for them it's tough for us, but it's very good sport. It puts me in a good place to go and jump anywhere," Nicolas Pizarro said. 

Three Canadian riders followed in second, third and fourth: Runner-up position went to Ali Ramsay on Lutz (Lordanos x Pilot) with a time of 42.39 seconds, third place to Jacqueline Steffens on Freaky (Darco x Litho X) in 42.58 seconds, and then followed Amy Millar on Truman (Mylord Carthago*HN x Kolibri) in fourth – clocking the time of 44.72. Paul O'Shea (IRL) finished fifth with Squirt Gun (Diarado x Quick Star) with four faults in the jump-off, but a fast time of 39.76.

The top five horse-and-rider combinations from this competition have qualified for the ATCO Queen Elizabeth II Cup Grand Prix on Saturday, July 9, 2022.